This quick and flavorful saucy ramen noodles recipe features a thick, versatile sauce that’s perfect for noodles, stir-fries, or adding your favorite veggies, tofu, or mushrooms. Ready in just 25 minutes, it's a satisfying meal for any day of the week.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy – Ready in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatile – Works with different proteins like tofu, mushrooms, or vegetables.
- Rich & Flavorful Sauce – A balance of sweet, savory, spicy, and tangy flavors.
- Customizable – Adjust the sweetness, spice, and saltiness to your liking.
- Vegan-Friendly – A plant-based dish that’s both hearty and satisfying.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Noodles:
- 2 servings dry instant ramen noodle cakes (around 140 g total)
For Sautéing:
- 10 oz extra-firm tofu, veggies, or mushrooms of choice, sliced
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup water or vegetable broth
- 5-7 tablespoon soy sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1.5 teaspoon dark soy sauce (optional, for color)
- 2-3 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1-3 tablespoon sugar, maple syrup, or other liquid sweetener (adjust for sweetness)
- 2 tablespoon rice vinegar, white vinegar, or lemon juice (adjust for sourness)
- ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
- ½ tablespoon chili garlic sauce or other hot sauce (optional for spice)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
For Serving:
- Chopped scallions
- Sesame seeds
Directions
Prepare the Sauce
- In a bowl, mix all the sauce ingredients until well combined.
- Adjust sweetness, saltiness, sourness, and spice levels to your preference. Set aside.
Cook the Noodles
- Bring a pot of water to a boil over high heat.
- Add the noodles and cook until half-done (2-3 minutes less than package instructions).
- Drain and set aside. Run under cold water to stop the cooking process and remove excess starch.
Sauté the Veggies or Protein
- Heat a pan over medium-high heat and add a little oil.
- Sauté the tofu, veggies, or mushrooms until cooked to your preference.
Cook the Sauce
- Stir the sauce mixture again to ensure the starch hasn’t settled at the bottom.
- Pour the sauce into the pan with the sautéed ingredients.
- Simmer over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce starts to thicken.
Combine with Noodles
- Add the noodles to the pan and mix well to coat them in the sauce.
- Continue cooking for about 3 minutes, allowing the noodles to absorb the sauce.
Adjust Seasoning and Serve
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional soy sauce, sweetener, or pepper if needed.
- Garnish with chopped scallions and sesame seeds.
- Serve immediately while hot.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 2
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Calories: 401 kcal per serving
Variations
- Protein Options – Swap tofu for tempeh, seitan, or even shredded chicken (if not vegan).
- Veggies – Try bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy.
- Spicier Version – Add extra chili garlic sauce, sriracha, or red pepper flakes.
- Nutty Flavor – Stir in a spoonful of peanut butter or tahini for a creamy touch.
- Low-Carb Option – Use zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles instead of ramen.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the noodles can become mushy when thawed.
FAQs
How can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free ramen or rice noodles and substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
Can I use fresh ramen instead of instant?
Yes! Just adjust the cooking time according to package instructions.
How do I prevent the noodles from getting too sticky?
Rinse them under cold water after cooking to remove excess starch.
What other protein can I use besides tofu?
Try tempeh, mushrooms, seitan, or even edamame for added plant-based protein.
Can I meal prep this dish?
Yes! Cook everything ahead of time and store the sauce separately. Reheat and combine before serving.
What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?
Cornstarch is key. Ensure it’s mixed well before adding to the pan, and stir constantly as it thickens.
Can I use a different type of noodle?
Absolutely! Rice noodles, udon, or even spaghetti can work in this dish.
Is this dish spicy?
It depends on your preference! Adjust the chili garlic sauce to control the heat.
Can I make it oil-free?
Yes! Sauté the ingredients in a splash of water or vegetable broth instead of oil.
What can I serve with these noodles?
A side of steamed dumplings, spring rolls, or a simple cucumber salad pairs well.
Conclusion
Easy saucy ramen noodles are the perfect quick meal, offering bold flavors and endless customization. Whether you prefer a spicy kick, a touch of sweetness, or extra veggies, this recipe is sure to satisfy. Try it today and enjoy a comforting, homemade noodle dish in just 25 minutes!
Easy Saucy Ramen Noodles
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These Easy Saucy Ramen Noodles are quick, flavorful, and customizable to your taste. Ready in just 25 minutes, the rich sauce blends sweet, savory, spicy, and tangy notes, making it a versatile meal. Whether you prefer tofu, mushrooms, or veggies, this vegan-friendly recipe offers endless variations. Perfect for a busy weeknight or a satisfying weekend meal, it’s a hearty dish that’s both delicious and easy to make.
Ingredients
ngredients:
- 2 servings dry instant ramen noodle cakes (around 140 g total)
- For Sautéing:
- 10 oz extra-firm tofu, veggies, or mushrooms of choice, sliced
- For the Sauce:
- 1 cup water or vegetable broth
- 5-7 tablespoon soy sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1.5 tsp dark soy sauce (optional, for color)
- 2-3 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1-3 tablespoon sugar, maple syrup, or other liquid sweetener (adjust for sweetness)
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar, white vinegar, or lemon juice (adjust for sourness)
- ¼ tsp ground pepper
- ½ tbsp chili garlic sauce or other hot sauce (optional for spice)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
- For Serving:
- Chopped scallions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, mix all the sauce ingredients until well combined. Adjust the sweetness, saltiness, sourness, and spice levels to your liking. Set aside.
-
Cook the Noodles: Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the noodles and cook until half-done (2-3 minutes less than the package instructions). Drain and set aside. Rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and remove excess starch.
-
Sauté the Veggies or Protein: Heat a pan over medium-high heat and add a little oil. Sauté the tofu, veggies, or mushrooms until cooked to your preference.
-
Cook the Sauce: Stir the sauce mixture again to ensure the starch hasn’t settled. Pour the sauce into the pan with the sautéed ingredients. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
-
Combine with Noodles: Add the noodles to the pan and mix well to coat them in the sauce. Cook for an additional 3 minutes, allowing the noodles to absorb the sauce.
-
Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste and adjust the seasoning with soy sauce, sweetener, or pepper as needed. Garnish with chopped scallions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free ramen or rice noodles and substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
- Spicy Version: Adjust the chili garlic sauce or use sriracha for extra heat.
- Nutty Flavor: Add a spoonful of peanut butter or tahini for a creamy twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sauté
- Cuisine: Asian
